It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
Every week, 2 women are killed in England and Wales as a result of male violence. #16days is a movement that highlights gender based violence, seeking to raise awareness and manifest change (see the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign).
On 9 January from 10am to 4pm in the Quad, we will be placing an installation that humanises these numbers and turns them into people. Approximately 140 pairs of shoes will be placed on the stage to represent the deaths of women in the last year (2019; figures will be finalised at the end of the year). Please join us in taking a moment to pay our respects to the women that lost their lives in 2019, and to consider the consequences of male violence.
On the day, we will be collecting donated clothes for a local refuge. If you have clothes you would like to donate, please leave them in the designated area of the quad. Often women who leave abusive homes will leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Your donations could change a life.
The Metropolitan Police Service will have a stand in the quad. Please do go and speak to them about the work they do to save lives, one call at a time. Ask them questions about domestic abuse, or other forms of male violence if you want to - they will be members of the safeguarding team.
If you are experiencing violence or abuse of any kind, please do let someone know. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0207 186 8270 or 0800 970 2070 (press option 1). Alternatively, see more support lines that may be of use. Remember to check if the number will show up on your telephone bill.
